Step1 Note that hockey sticks are made of wood, graphite or a composite of wood and fiberglass. Step2 Consider that replacement will eventually become an issue. Wood sticks are much cheaper ($20 to $30, as opposed between $30 and $90), but when they wear out or break, the entire stick needs to be replaced. With the other types of sticks, you can just replace the blade, which comes in all types of shapes and sizes, depending on your style of play.
Step3 Understand that all of the sticks' shafts will have different amounts of "give" to them and that every player will have a different opinion about how much flex is just right. Generally, younger players need more flex, and older, stronger players need less.
Step4 Buy the right size. When you're standing in shoes, your stick should come at least to your nose. As a rule of thumb, a shorter stick allows an offensive player more control of the puck, and a longer stick enables a defensive player to reach out and check more easily.
Step5 Know your correct "lie," which is the angle of the blade to the stick. When you're in the ready position, there shouldn't be a gap between the ice and your blade.
Chat with our AI personalities